Downton Abbey Floral Farewell

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Fleurs de Villes September 22 - October 1st

Following the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 3rd and the film’s UK cinema release on September 12th, Kew Gardens will host Fleurs de Villes: Flowers in the City – Downton Abbey from September 22 to October 1.

This enchanting exhibition features floral installations by top London floral designers, inspired by the beloved period drama. Expect to see lifelike botanical mannequins of Crawley family members, household staff, and other fan favorites — dressed head to toe in intricate, plant-based couture.


After captivating audiences in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York (pictured) and Vancouver, the exhibit arrives in London — city renowned for its floral artistry, from the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows to Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom.  The displays at Kew promise to be nothing short of spectacular.

Visitors can also enjoy live floral demonstrations, engaging talks by expert florists, and afternoon tea in the elegant Orangery. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite floral creation.

Whether you're a Downton Abbey devotee, a flower lover, or just seeking a unique day out, this is an event not to miss!
www.theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk ✆ +44 2089 402752
288 Kew Road, Kew Gardens TW9 3DU

Free Rachel Zegler Performance

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In Evita Until September 6th

If you’re in London the next couple of weeks, keep an eye on the balcony of the London Palladium.  That’s where Rachel Zegler — star of West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Snow White — is performing the iconic Evita ballad 'Don’t Cry for Me Argentina' — live, and completely free.

Zegler is currently starring as Eva Perónof Evita until September 6th and the show’s most talked about moment happens outside the theater.  Each evening around 9:05 pm (and ~4 pm during Thursday and Sunday matinees), she steps out onto the Palladium’s balcony and sings to anyone watching from the street and the audience inside.


While some ticketholders have mixed feelings about the live-stream inside, others see it as a creative way to make West End theatre more accessible.  And for fans of Zegler — or musical theatre — it’s a must-see.

Note : Zegler will not be performing Monday, August 25th
www.lwtheatres.co.uk
8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF

Summer Exhibition : Beyond the Academy

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Halcyon Gallery until August 31st

While the Royal Academy's famed Summer Exhibition — the world’s oldest open-submission art show — closes Sunday, August 17th, there’s still time to catch another exhibition of the same name around the corner.

A short 8 minute walk from the Royal Academy is Halcyon Gallery's Summer Exhibition: Colour & Materiality. This thoughtfully curated show on display until August 31st features a select group of internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate, gallery setting.

Highlights include:

  • Paul Cummins’ striking red ceramic poppy installation spans two floors. The piece echoes his commemorative work for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day currently on display at the Tower of London.
  • One floor below, Dale Chihuly’s Float Boat — a wooden vessel filled with bright blown-glass spheres—sits alongside his vibrant Light Drawings — liquid acrylic works illuminated by LED strips.
  • David Hockney’s iPad drawings, created using the Brushes app, demonstrate how digital tools can realistically simulate traditional brushwork. Halcyon Gallery is known for bringing attention to digital art.

Whether you're a casual visitor, seasoned collector, or art aficionado, it’s well-worth stopping by Halcyon Gallery for an artful twist on the traditional summer exhibition — no ticket or queues required.

www.halcyongallery.com
29 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TR

The Lookout

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Hidden gem in the sky

Opened July 2023, The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate is one of London’s newest free viewing galleries, located on the 50th floor at 650 feet. While slightly lower than nearby Horizon 22, it offers breathtaking 270° views.

The Lookout is a quieter, more relaxed alternative with shorter queues and faster access than Horizon 22 — ideal for the perfect escape above London.

Highlights include:

  • Close-up views of London's skyline
  • The Thames and Tower Bridge
  • South London and The Shard
  • West-facing glass for stunning sunsets

Know before you go:

  • Tickets are released bi-weekly on Monday
  • Walk-ins accepted if space allows (be sure to check their website for dates they are closed to the public for private events)
  • Entry is quick and the staff is welcoming

One of London’s best-kept secrets worth checking out!

www.8bishopsgate.com/the-lookout
8 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

Lindt Flagship Store

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Celebrate World Chocolate Day July 7th

In March 2025, Lindt opened its 2,800-square-foot flagship store in London’s Piccadilly Circus to mark its 180th anniversary. With World Chocolate Day on July 7th, it's the perfect spot to indulge in premium chocolates and one-of-a-kind treats.

Store Highlights:

  • Truffle Pick & Mix Station — The UK's largest, featuring 21 Lindor flavours and 15 mini Lindt chocolates.
  • Chocolate Bar — Enjoy barista-style coffee, hot chocolate, gelato, and milkshakes.
  • Master Chocolatiers — Watch the UK's first in-store Lindt
    chocolatiers craft custom creations.
  • London-Themed Gifts — Take home souvenirs inspired by landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.
  • Unique Treats — Inspired by the viral Middle Eastern dessert, Lindt’s sell-out Dubai style chocolate bar, featuring a blend of pistachio nuts, Kadayif pastry, and milk chocolate, is now available in-store.
Whether you're a true chocolate connoisseur or just craving something sweet, Lindt’s flagship store is a must-visit destination!


www.lindt.co.uk
14 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EA

Kids Week : Free Tickets for Kids

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Tickets on sale June 10th at 10 am

From July 21 to August 31, Kids Week gives children 17 and under the chance to see top West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.  You can also buy half-price tickets for up to two additional children per adult ticket:

Choose from 55 popular productions, including :

  • Back to the Future The Musical*
  • The Choir of Man*
  • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
  • Hamilton
  • Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*
  • The Great Gatsby
  • Les Miserables
  • The Lion King*
  • Mamma Mia!*
  • Matilda the Musical
  • MJ The Musical*
  • Moulin Rouge!*
  • The Mousetrap*
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • The Play that Goes Wrong*
  • Six*
  • Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
  • Wicked*
  • Witness for the Prosecution

    • *These shows offer exclusive extras, such as workshops in acting, dancing, illusions, musical theatre and singing and special Q&A sessions.

    Due to high demand, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Have a few dates and shows in mind before tickets go live.

    With no booking, postage, or transaction fees, tickets sell out quickly. For the best selection, be ready to book online when sales open on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. 

    Good luck — and enjoy the show!
    www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

    The Mitre Hotel

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    A Regal Return

    Just an 8-minute walk from Hampton Court Palace, the newly refurbished The Mitre Hotel is a must-visit. Acquired by the Signet Hotel Group in 2020, the historic 36-room property underwent a £15 million transformation, earning a place in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

    Built in 1665 by King Charles II to house courtiers, The Mitre has been beautifully restored, blending period elegance with modern comfort. Stylish lounges, bars, and restaurants feature curated art and textiles that add a contemporary twist to classic British charm.

    It is a perfect place to stop in before (or after) a visit to Hampton Court for riverside tea refreshments:
    • Cream Tea — £11: Buttermilk scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam
    • Half Afternoon Tea — £15: Includes crème brûlée cheesecake and a raspberry almond muffin (+£4 for extra)
    • Full Afternoon Tea — £35: Includes all of the above, four types of sandwiches, and two additional desserts
            All served with Twist Tea or specialty coffee.

    Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local, The Mitre is the perfect riverside retreat!